AED can help heart attack victims at critical moment

KNIGHTDALE, N.C. - Rex Healthcare has donated a potentially life-saving device to the Town of Knightdale. The Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is used to buy a heart attack victim precious time until emergency medical personnel arrive. It will be permanently mounted in the Town Hall lobby.

Tommy Williams, Vice President of Ambulatory Services for Rex Healthcare, presented the device to Town officials Friday afternoon. The device would typically cost $1,000 or more.

“We’re part of this community and we want to be good neighbors,” Williams said. “Of course, if someone has a heart attack, it’s best to call 9-1-1 first. But while they’re waiting, there’s access to this equipment. It’s an instrument that could save lives.”

Chris Roland, Knightdale Recreation Activities Coordinator, worked with Williams on the arrangement. He praised the medical care provider not only for providing the equipment, but for saving taxpayer money.

“We asked for this because there are so many people who visit Town Hall every day,” Roland said.“We want to be as prepared as we can be. Rex Healthcare is fantastic, and we appreciate them doing this for our community.”

Because it’s automated, the device walks the user step-by-step through the process. This publication from the American Heart Association explains more about how AEDs work.

Rex Healthcare recently opened a Knightdale campus at 6602 Knightdale Boulevard (map, directions), near I-540 and US64. Rex Healthcare of Knightdale includes urgent care, a family practice, laboratory services, radiology, a wound healing center, and a sleep disorders center. The campus also includes the Rex Wellness Center of Knightdale, a state-of-the-art wellness center that features indoor pools, exercise equipment, nutrition counseling and more.